Timber Properties and Uses

wood

INFO

RM

ATIO

NSection 2/3 Sheet 10Subject: Timber - General

Revised June 1999Amended October 2002

CI/SfBYi

Uniclass P51UDC 699.11

Timbers - theirproperties and usesThe characteristics and uses of a broad rangeof species seen in the UK are contained inthis Wood Information sheet. A companionsheet Wood decorative and practical includescolour illustrations and brief details of 48 ofthe most commonly used timbers listed here.The characteristics shown in the followingtables are described below.

Species

The standard names recommended in BS7359 Nomenclature of commercial timbersincluding sources of supply are given in boldin the tables. The botanical names areincluded to avoid confusion betweendifferent timbers which may have similarcommon names. The main regions of originare indicated for each timber.

Colour(s)

Relates to the heartwood of the species. Mosttimbers vary in colour and will change withuse, the application of finishes and exposureto light. Unprotected timber exposed to theweather will discolour and may developmould growth.

Density

Varies depending on species and moisturecontent. Averages at 15% moisture contentare quoted; 0.5% of the given weight can beadded for every 1% increase in moisturecontent* Indicates that density can vary by 20% ormore.

Texture

Surface texture is classified as fine, mediumor coarse.

Moisture movement

Refers to the dimensional changes thatoccur when dried timber is subjected tochanges in atmospheric conditions. It isclassed as small, medium or large and is notdirectly related to the shrinkage whichoccurs when green timber is dried tomoisture contents suitable for internal use.For structural purposes, movement is notusually significant but species with smallmovement should be specified wherestability in varying humidities is importanteg decorative wood flooring.** Indicates a provisional classification.

Working qualities

Refers to ease of working and is classed asgood, medium or difficult. A difficultclassification indicates that particular careshould be taken in machining to achieve anacceptable surface finish. Health and Safetyrequirements relating to the use ofwoodworking tools and machinery and tothe control of wood dust should always befollowed.

Durability

The classifications quoted refer to theresistance to fungal decay of the heartwoodof the species only. The sapwood of mostspecies is not durable or slightly durable andshould not be used in exposed situationswithout preservative treatment. Five naturaldurability to wood-destroying fungi classesare recognised in BS EN 350-1 Guide to theprinciples of testing and classification of thenatural durability of wood:Class 1 very durableClass 2 durableClass 3 moderately durableClass 4 slightly durableClass 5 not durable.

900237G

2

The classifications in this sheet are those given inBS EN 350-1 for the timbers included.

Insect attack is generally of less significance in theUK. Information on the resistance of some timbersto insect and marine borer attack is given in BS EN350-2 Guide to natural durability and treatability ofselected wood species of importance in Europe.

Guidance on the need for preservative treatment inparticular situations is given in a number of BritishStandards including BS 5268-5 and BS 5589.

Treatability

Refers to how easily timbers can be penetratedwith preservatives applied by vacuum pressureprocesses. BS EN 350-2 includes four levels oftreatability but recognises that the classes cannotbe separated exactly from each other.

The categories included in BS EN 350-2 are:EasyModerately easyDifficultExtremely difficult.

BS EN 351-1 Durability of wood and wood-basedproducts - Preservative treated solid wood -Classification of preservative penetration andretention gives guidance on the selection ofpreservative treatment. Guidance is also given inBS 1282 Guide to the choice, use and application ofwood preservatives and in the Draft forDevelopment 239 Code of practice for thepreservation of timber.

Availability

Described in broad terms as regular, limited orvariable. It will vary both from time to time andthroughout the country. Some species may not beavailable as raw material (or only in tiny quantities)but may be seen as veneer on furniture orpanelling. Other species have been includedbecause of their historical or technical interest orimportance.

Trading in some species is governed by CITES - theConvention in International Trade in EndangeredSpecies which lists species in three categories:

Appendix I - Trading prohibited

Appendix II - Trade permitted subject to exportpermits from the country of origin (and re-exportpermits as appropriate) and UK import permitsfrom the Department for Environment, Food andRural Affairs.

Appendix III - Species protected within individualparty states.

Note that CITES listing covers the raw materialonly, not manufactured products.

CITES is implemented within the European Unionby EC Regulations; the species listing is broadlyequivalent to CITES listings. In the UK thislegislation is backed by the Control of Trade inEndangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations1997. Further information is available fromwww.ukcites.gov.uk.

Price

Price is difficult to quantify since timber is affectedby currency variations. However, to give a generalindication of comparative prices, the followingterms are used:(1999 prices)High over £1,000 per cubic metreMedium £550 - £999 per cubic metreLow up to £550 per cubic metre

The prices relate to decorative hardwoods:structural softwoods will normally fall into thecheaper half of the low category. Prices are for kilndried stock where appropriate.

Remarks

Comments where necessary on sizes, specialfeatures such as drying, staining etc

Uses

The list is not exhaustive, and most timbers can beused for more purposes than those listed.

Sizes

Specifiers and buyers should check on theavailability of species and sizes with suppliers.

* see Density, ** see Moisture movement, page 1 3

Species/

Origin

Timber type/

Colour

Density

kg/m3

Texture Moisture

movement

Working

qualities

Durability

Fungi

Treatability

Heartwood

Availability/

Price

Remarks Uses

AburaHallea ciliataW Africa

HardwoodLight brown

580*Medium/fine

Small Medium Not durableModeratelyeasy

LimitedLow

Colour variable. Resistant toacids

Interior joinery,mouldings

AfrormosiaPericopsis elataW Africa

HardwoodLight brown

710Medium/fine

Small MediumDurable - verydurable

ExtremelyDifficult

CITES IIDarkens on exposure. Stains incontact with iron in dampconditions

Interior and exteriorjoinery. Furniture.Cladding

Afzelia (doussié)Afzelia sppW Africa

HardwoodReddish-brown

830*Medium/coarse

SmallMedium/difficult

Very durableExtremelydifficult

LimitedMedium

Exudes yellow dye in dampconditions

Interior and exteriorjoinery. Cladding

AgbaGossweilerodendronbalsamiferumW Africa

HardwoodYellowish-brown

510 Medium Small GoodModeratelydurable -durable

DifficultLimitedMedium

Gum exudation may betroublesome

Interior and exteriorjoinery, trim. Cladding

AndirobaCarapa guianensisS America

HardwoodPink to red-brown

640Medium/coarse

Small MediumSlightly durable- moderatelydurable


Interior joinery

Ash, AmericanFraxinus sppUSA

HardwoodGrey, brown

670* Coarse Medium Medium Not durable EasyRegularMedium

Interior joinery, trim.Tool handles

Ash, EuropeanFraxinus excelsiorEurope

HardwoodWhite to light brown

710*Medium/coarse

Medium Good Not durableModeratelyeasy

RegularMedium

Selected stock may be toughand suitable for bending

Interior joinery. Sportsgoods

Aspen (American,Canadian)Populus tremuloidesCanada, USA

HardwoodGrey, white to palebrown

450 Fine Large Medium Not durableExtremelydifficult **

VariableLow

Interior joinery. Matches

BalsaOchroma lagopusS America

HardwoodWhite

160* Fine Small Good Not durable DifficultLimitedMedium

High buoyancy value. Goodinsulating value

Heat, sound andvibration insulation

Balau (yellow)Shorea sppS E Asia

HardwoodYellow-brown tored-brown

980* Medium Medium Medium DurableExtremelydifficult

VariableLow

A hard, heavy, strong timber.Obtainable in large sizes

Heavy structural work,bridge and wharfconstruction

BasswoodTilia americanaN America

HardwoodCreamy white topale brown

420 Fine Medium Good Not durable EasyLimitedMedium

Constructional veneer.Turnery, piano keys,woodware

Beech, EuropeanFagus sylvaticaEurope

HardwoodWhitish to palebrown, pinkish-red ifsteamed

720 Fine Large Good Not durable

Easy(red heartextremelydifficult)

RegularLow/Medium

Excellent bending propertiesFurniture, interiorjoinery, flooring.Plywood


Species/

Origin

Timber type/

Colour

Density

kg/m3

Texture Moisture

movement

Working

qualities

Durability

Fungi

Treatability

Heartwood

Availability/

Price

Remarks Uses

Birch, AmericanBetula sppNorth America

HardwoodLight to dark reddishbrown

640/710 Fine Large Good Not durableEasy -moderatelyeasy

RegularLow

Includes yellow birch andpaper birch

Furniture. Plywood.Flooring

Birch, EuropeanBetula pendula, B. pubescensEurope

HardwoodWhite to light brown

670 Fine Large Good Not durableEasy -moderatelyeasy

LimitedLow

Includes silver birch and whitebirch

Plywood. Furniture.Turnery

Cedar of LebanonCedrus libaniEurope

SoftwoodLight brown

580 MediumMedium/small **

Good Durable DifficultLimitedLow

Pungent cedar odourJoinery. Gardenfurniture. Gates

“Cedar, Central/SAmerican”Cedrela sppCentral & S America

HardwoodPinkish-brown todark reddish-brown

480 Coarse Small Good DurableExtremelydifficult

LimitedMedium

Distinctive odourCabinet work, interiorjoinery. Racing boatbuilding. Cigar boxes

Cherry, AmericanPrunus serotinaUSA

HardwoodReddish-brown tored

580 Fine Medium GoodModeratelydurable

No informationLimitedMedium

Cabinet making,furniture, interior joinery

Cherry, EuropeanPrunus aviumEurope

HardwoodPInkish-brown


No informationLimitedMedium/High

Inclined to warp; use in smallsections

Cabinet making,furniture

Chestnut, horseAesculus hippocastanumEurope

HardwoodWhite to paleyellow-brown

510 Fine Small Medium Not durable EasyLimitedLow

Brush backs. Fruit traysand boxes

Chestnut, sweetCastanea sativaEurope


560 Medium Large Good DurableExtremelydifficult

LimitedMedium

Stains in contact with iron indamp conditions

Interior and exteriorjoinery. Fencing

DantaNesogordonia papaveriferaW Africa



Difficult -extremelydifficult

LimitedLow

Flooring. Joinery.Turnery

“Douglas fir”Pseudotsuga menziesiiN America & UK

SoftwoodLight reddish-brown

530 Medium Small GoodModeratelydurable -durable

Extremelydifficult

RegularMedium

Marked ‘flame-like’ growth ringfigure. Long lengths and cleargrades available

Plywood. Interior andexterior joinery.Construction. Vats &tanks

EbonyDiospyros sppW Africa, India, Sri Lanka

HardwoodBlack, somegrey/black stripes

1030/1190

Fine Medium Medium Very durableExtremelydifficult

LimitedHigh

Generally small sizes onlyavailable. Dust may be irritant

Used primarily fordecorative work.Turnery, inlaying

Ekki/azobéLophira alataW Africa

HardwoodDark red to darkbrown

1070 Coarse Large DifficultDurable(variable)

Extremelydifficult

LimitedLow/Medium

Moderately resistant to termiteattack. Acid resistant.Obtainable in large sizes

Heavy construction;marine and freshwater.Bridges, sleepers, etc

Elm, EuropeanUlmus sppEurope

HardwoodLight brown

560* Coarse Medium Medium Slightly durableModeratelyeasy - Difficult

LimitedMedium

Includes smooth leaved elm,wych elm

Furniture, coffins. Boatbuilding


Species/

Origin

Timber type/

Colour

Density

kg/m3

Texture Moisture

movement

Working

qualities

Durability

Fungi

Treatability

Heartwood

Availability/

Price

Remarks Uses

Elm, WhiteUlmus americanaN America

HardwoodPale reddish-brown

580 Coarse Medium Medium Slightly durable DifficultLimitedMedium

Good strength, toughness andbending properties

Furniture. Coffins.Rubbing strips

GaboonAucoumea klaineanaW Africa

HardwoodPinkish brown

430 Medium Medium Medium Slightly durable DifficultLimitedMedium

Used principally forplywood and blockboard

Gedu nohor/edinamEntandrophragma angolenseW Africa

HardwoodReddish brown

560 Medium Small MediumModeratelydurable

Extremelydifficult

LimitedLow/Medium

Furniture, interior andexterior joinery

GeronggangCratoxylon arborescensS E Asia

HardwoodPink to red

540 Coarse Medium Medium Slightly durable EasyVariableLow

Interior joinery

GreeenheartOcotea rodiaeiGuyana

HardwoodYellow/olive green tobrown

1040 Fine Medium Difficult Very durableExtremelydifficult

VariableMedium

Available in very large sizesHeavy construction;marine and freshwater.bridges, etc

GuareaGuarea cedrataW Africa

HardwoodPinkish brown

590 Medium Small MediumDurable(variable)

Extremelydifficult

VariableLow/Medium

Fine dust may be irritant.Resin exudation may occur

Furniture, interiorjoinery, cabinet making

Hemlock, WesternTsuga heterophyllaN America

SoftwoodPale brown

500 Fine Small Good Slightly durableModeratelyeasy - Difficult

RegularLow/Medium

Obtainable in large sizes, longlengths and clear grades

Construction. Joinery

Hevea - see Rubberwood

HickoryCarya sppN America (Eastern)

HardwoodBrown toreddish-brown

830 Coarse Large Difficult Slightly durableModeratelyeasy

LimitedMedium

Good steam bendingproperties. Good shockresistance

Striking tool handles.Ladder rungs. Sportsgoods

IdigboTerminalia ivorensisW Africa

HardwoodYellow

560* Medium Small MediumModeratelydurable /Durable

Extremelydifficult

VariableMedium

Stains yellow in contact withwater; stains in contact withiron when wet. Acidic and maycorrode ferrous metals.

Interior and exteriorjoinery. Plywood

IrokoMilicia excelsa, M. regiaW Africa

HardwoodYellow-brown

660 Medium SmallMedium/difficult

Durable /Very durable

Extremelydifficult

RegularLow/Medium

Occasional deposits of stonemay occur

Exterior and interiorjoinery. Bench tops.Constructional work

JarrahEucalyptus marginataAustralia

HardwoodPink to dark red

820* Medium Medium Difficult Very durableExtremelydifficult

LimitedLow/medium

Heavy constructionalwork. Flooring

JelutongDyera costulataS E Asia

HardwoodWhite to yellow

470 Fine Small Good Slightly durable EasyRegularMedium

Latex ducts may be presentPattern making. Drawingboards

KapurDryobalanops sppS E Asia


770* Medium Medium MediumDurable / Verydurable

Extremelydifficult

VariableMedium

Camphor-like odourExterior joinery.Decking. constructionaluse


Species/

Origin

Timber type/

Colour

Density

kg/m3

Texture Moisture

movement

Working

qualities

Durability

Fungi

Treatability

Heartwood

Availability/

Price

Remarks Uses

KarriEucalyptus diversicolorAustralia


900 Medium Large Difficult DurableExtremelydifficult

LimitedMedium

Heavy construction

KempasKoompassia malaccensisS E Asia

HardwoodOrange-red tored-brown

880 Coarse Medium Difficult Durable DifficultLimitedLow

Slightly acidic and mayencourage corrosion of ferrousmetals

Heavy constructional use

Keruing, apitong, gurjun,yangDipterocarpus sppS E Asia

HardwoodPinkish-brown todark brown

740* MediumLarge/Medium

DifficultModeratelydurable(variable))

Difficult(variable)

RegularLow

Liable to resin exudationHeavy and generalconstruction. Decking,vehicle flooring

Larch, EuropeanLarix deciduaEurope

SoftwoodPale reddish-brown

550 Fine Small MediumSlightly durable/ Moderatelydurable

Extremelydifficult

RegularLow

Boat planking.Transmission poles

Larch, JapaneseLarix kaempferiEurope

SoftwoodReddish-brown

530 Fine Small MediumSlightly durable/ Moderatelydurable

Extremelydifficult

RegularMedium

Stakes. Generalconstruction

Lauan - see Meranti

Lignum vitaeGuaiacum sppCentral America

HardwoodDark green/brown

1250 Fine Medium Difficult Very durableExtremelydifficult

CITES IIHigh

Obtainable in small sizes onlyBushes and bearings.Sports goods

Limba/afaraTerminalia superbaW Africa

HardwoodPale yellow,brown/straw

560* Medium Small Good Slightly durableModeratelyeasy

LimitedLow/medium

Furniture. Interiorjoinery

Lime, EuropeanTilia sppEurope

HardwoodYellowish-white topale brown

560 Fine Medium Good Not durable EasyLimited/Low

Carving, turnery. Bungs.Clogs

Mahogany, AfricanKhaya sppW Africa


530* Medium Small MediumModeratelydurable

Extremelydifficult

RegularLow/Medium

Furniture, cabinet work.Boat building. Joinery

Mahogany, AmericanSwietenia macrophyllaCentral & S America


560* Medium Small Good DurableExtremelydifficult

CITES IIIRegularHigh

Furniture, cabinet work.Interior and exteriorjoinery. Boat building

MakoréTieghemella heckelii,T. africanaW Africa

HardwoodPinkish-brown todark red

640 Fine Small Medium Very durableExtremelydifficult

VariableMedium

Fine dust may be irritantFurniture. Interior andexterior joinery. Boatbuilding. Plywood

Maple, rockAcer saccharum, A. nigrumN America

HardwoodCreamy white

740 Fine Medium Medium Slightly durable DifficultRegularMedium

High resistance to abrasionExcellent flooring timber.Furniture. Sports goods


Species/

Origin

Timber type/

Colour

Density

kg/m3

Texture Moisture

movement

Working

qualities

Durability

Fungi

Treatability

Heartwood

Availability/

Price

Remarks Uses

Maple, softAcer saccharinum,A. rubrumN America

HardwoodCreamy white

550* Fine Medium Medium Slightly durableModeratelyeasy

LimitedMedium

Furniture. Interiorjoinery. Turnery

MengkulangHeritiera sppS E Asia

HardwoodRed, brown

720 Coarse Small Medium Slightly durable DifficultLimitedMedium

Interior joinery.Construction. Plywood

Meranti, dark red/darkred seraya/red lauanShorea sppS E Asia

HardwoodMedium to darkred-brown

710* Medium Small MediumSlightly durable- durable(variable)

Extremelydifficult(variable)

RegularLow/Medium

Interior and exteriorjoinery. Plywood

Meranti, light red/lightred seraya/white lauanShorea sppS E Asia

HardwoodPale pink to mid red

550* Medium Small MediumSlightly durable/ Moderatelydurable


RegularLow

Interior joinery. Plywood

Meranti, yellow/yellow serayaShorea sppS E Asia

HardwoodYellow-brown

660* Medium Small Medium Slightly durableExtremelydifficult(variable)

LimitedLow/Medium

Interior joinery. Plywood

MerbauIntsia bijuga, I. palembanicaS E Asia

HardwoodMedium brown todark red-brown

830 Coarse Small ModerateDurable / Verydurable

Extremelydifficult

VariableMedium

Liable to stain in contact withiron in damp conditions

Joinery. Flooring.Structural work

NiangonHeritiera utilis, H. densifloraW Africa

HardwoodReddish brown

640* Medium Medium GoodModeratelydurable

Extremelydifficult

VariableLow

Interior and exteriorjoinery. Furniture

NyatohPalaquium sppS E Asia

HardwoodPale pink tored-brown

720* Fine Medium MediumSlightly durable/ Moderatelydurable

Extremelydifficult

VariableLow

Furniture. Interiorjoinery.

Oak, American redQuercus sppN America

HardwoodYellowish-brownwith red tinge

790 Medium Medium Medium Slightly durableModeratelyeasy/ Difficult

RegularMedium


Oak, American whiteQuercus sppN America

HardwoodPale yellow tomid-brown

770 Medium Medium MediumModeratelydurable /Durable

Extremelydifficult

RegularMedium

Acidic nature; iron staining mayoccur in damp conditions. Mayalso corrode metals

Furniture, cabinet work.Interior and exteriorjoinery. Flooring. Tightcooperage

Oak, EuropeanQuercus robur, Q. petraeaEurope


720*Medium/coarse

MediumMedium/difficult

DurableExtremelydifficult

VariableMedium/High

Iron staining may occur indamp conditions, similarlycorrosion of metals

Furniture. Interior andexterior joinery.Flooring. Tightcooperage. Fencing


Species/

Origin

Timber type/

Colour

Density

kg/m3

Texture Moisture

movement

Working

qualities

Durability

Fungi

Treatability

Heartwood

Availability/

Price

Remarks Uses

Oak, JapaneseQuercus mongolica (mainly)Japan

HardwoodPale yellow

670 Medium Medium MediumModeratelydurable

Extremelydifficult**

Very limitedHigh


“Oak, Tasmanian”Eucalyptus delegatensisE obliqua, E regnansAustralia & Tasmania

HardwoodPale pink to brown

610/710*

Coarse Medium MediumModeratelydurable



Obeche /wawaTriplochiton scleroxylonW Africa

HardwoodWhite to pale yellow

390 Medium Small Good Not durable DifficultRegularLow/Medium

Interior joinery.Furniture. Plywood

OpepeNauclea diderrichiiW Africa

HardwoodYellow toorange-yellow

750 Coarse Small Medium Very durableModeratelyeasy

VariableLow

Heavy construction.Marine and freshwateruse. Exterior joinery.Flooring

PadaukPterocarpus sppW Africa, Andamans,Myanmar

HardwoodRed to darkpurple-brown

740*/850

Coarse Small Medium Very durableModeratelyeasy

LimitedHigh

Dust may be irritantInterior and exteriorjoinery. Turnery.Flooring

Parana pineAraucaria angustifoliaS America

SoftwoodGolden brown withbright red streaks

550 Fine Medium GoodNot durable -Slightly durable

Moderatelyeasy

RegularLow/Medium

Distortion may occur in drying Interior joinery. Plywood

Pine, Canadian redPinus resinosaN America

SoftwoodReddish yellow,white

450 Fine Small Good Slightly durableModeratelyeasy

LimitedLow


Pine, CorsicanPinus nigra var maritimaEurope

SoftwoodLight yellowish-brown

510 Coarse Small MediumSlightly durable(variable)


RegularLow

Joinery, construction

Pine, elliotisPinus elliottiiBrazil, Chile (Plantationgrown)

SoftwoodPale brown to yellow

590 Medium Medium Medium Slightly durableModeratelyeasy

RegularLow

Pallets, packaging.Joinery

Pine, JackPinus banksianaCanada, USA

SoftwoodPale brown/ reddishbrown


VariableLow

Construction, joinery

Pine, lodgepolePinus contortaN America

SoftwoodYellow to palebrown tinged withred

470 Fine Small GoodSlightly durable- Moderatelydurable

Difficult -Extremelydifficult

RegularLow


Pine, maritimePinus pinasterEurope


530Medium-Coarse

Medium GoodSlightly durable- Moderatelydurable

DifficultRegularLow

Pallets and packaging.Joinery


Species/

Origin

Timber type/

Colour

Density

kg/m3

Texture Moisture

movement

Working

qualities

Durability

Fungi

Treatability

Heartwood

Availability/

Price

Remarks Uses

Pine, patulaPinus patulaSouth Africa



LimitedLow

Pallets and packaging.Joinery

Pine, pitch, AmericanPinus palustris, P. elliottiiSouthern USA

SoftwoodYellow-brown tored-brown

670* Medium Medium MediumSlightly durable- Moderatelydurable


RegularMedium

Denser material also known aslongleaf yellow pine or longleafpitch pine

Interior and exteriorjoinery. Heavyconstruction

Pine, ponderosaPinus ponderosaN America

SoftwoodPale to dark yellowto reddish-brown


VariableLow


Pine, radiataPinus radiataS Africa, S America,Australia, New Zealand

SoftwoodYellow to palebrown

480 Medium Medium GoodNot durable -Slightly durable

Moderatelyeasy - Difficult

RegularLow

Construction, furniture,packaging

Pine, ScotsPinus sylvestrisUK

SoftwoodPale yellowish-brown to red-brown

510 Coarse Medium MediumSlightly durable- Moderatelydurable


RegularLow

Construction, joinery

Pine, SouthernPinus spp including P.palustris, P. elliottii, P.echinata, P. taedaSouthern USA

SoftwoodPale yellow to lightbrown

590 Medium Medium Medium

Slightlydurable/Moderatelydurable


RegularLow

Also know as Southern yellowpine

Construction, joinery.Plywood

Pine, yellowPinus strobusN America

SoftwoodPale yellow to lightbrown


RegularLow/medium

Also known as Quebec yellowpine and Eastern white pine

Pattern making, drawingboards, doors

Plane, EuropeanPlatanus x hispanicaEurope

HardwoodMottled brown

640 FineNoinformation

Medium Not durable No informationLimitedMedium

Quarter sawn materialproduces lacewood figure

Decorative purposes.Inlay work

PoplarPopulus sppEurope

HardwoodGrey white to palebrown

450Fine/Medium

Large Medium Not durableDifficult(variable)

VariableLow

Pallet blocks, boxboards, turnery. Woodwool

Poplar, American yellow see Tulipwood

PurpleheartPeltogyne sppCentral & S America

HardwoodPurple topurplish-brown

880 Medium SmallMedium/Difficult

Moderatelydurable -Durable

Extremelydifficult

LimitedHigh

Heavy construction.Flooring. Turnery

RaminGonystylus sppS E Asia

HardwoodWhite to pale yellow

670 Medium Large Medium Not durable EasyVariableLow/Medium

Mouldings. Furniture

Redwood, EuropeanPinus sylvestrisScandinavia/USSR

SoftwoodPale yellowish-brown to red brown

510 Medium Medium MediumSlightly durable- Moderatelydurable


RegularLow

Construction. Joinery.Furniture


Species/

Origin

Timber type/

Colour

Density

kg/m3

Texture Moisture

movement

Working

qualities

Durability

Fungi

Treatability

Heartwood

Availability/

Price

Remarks Uses

RosewoodDalbergia sppS America, India

HardwoodMedium to darkpurplish-brown withblack streaks

870* Medium Small Medium Very durableExtremelydifficult

D nigraCITES I

Unlikely to be available as rawmaterial. Fine dust may beirritant

Interior joinery. Cabinetwork, turnery

Rubberwood / heveaHevea brasiliensisBrazil, S E Asia

HardwoodCream to lightbrown

560Medium/Coarse

Medium -Large

Medium/Good

Not durable Easy Limited Furniture, Turnery

SapeleEntandrophragmacylindricumWest Africa

HardwoodMedium reddish-brown with markedstripe figure

640 Medium Medium MediumModeratelydurable

DifficultRegularMedium

Interior joinery.Furniture. Flooring

SepetirSindora sppS E Asia

HardwoodGolden brown

680 Medium Small Difficult DurableExtremelydifficult

LimitedLow

Joinery. Furniture

Seraya- see Meranti

SesendokEndospermum sppS E Asia

HardwoodPale cream to strawyellow

480Mediumto coarse

Small Medium Not durable EasyLimitedLow/medium

Also known as Kauvula (Fiji)Mouldings, interiorjoinery

Spruce, CanadianPicea sppCanada

SoftwoodWhite to pale yellow

400*/500

Medium Small GoodNot durable -Slightly durable

DifficultRegularLow

Construction.

Spruce, SitkaPicea sitchensisNorth America, UK

SoftwoodPinkish-brown

450 Coarse Small GoodNot durable -Slightly durable

DifficultRegularLow

Construction. Packaging,pallets

SycamoreAcer pseudoplatanusEurope

HardwoodWhite oryellowish-white

630 Fine Medium Good Not durable EasyLimitedMedium

Turnery. Joinery

TaunPometia pinnataS E Asia

HardwoodPale pinkish-brown

720 Coarse Medium MediumModeratelydurable


LimitedLow

Structural work.Turnery, joinery,furniture

TeakTectona grandisBurma, Thailandand plantations elsewhere

HardwoodGolden brown,sometimes with darkmarkings

660 Medium Small Medium Very durableExtremelydifficult

RegularHigh

Fine dust may be irritant. Goodchemical resistance. Resistantto termites. Some cultivatedtimber may have lowerdurability

Furniture. Interior andexterior joinery. Boatbuilding

Tulipwood /Poplar,American yellowLiriodendron tulipiferaN America

HardwoodYellowish to olivebrown with darkstains

510 Fine Medium Good Slightly durable No informationLimitedMedium

Joinery, Furniture


Species/

Origin

Timber type/

Colour

Density

kg/m3

Texture Moisture

movement

Working

qualities

Durability

Fungi

Treatability

Heartwood

Availability/

Price

Remarks Uses

UtileEntandrophragma utileW Africa


660 Medium Medium MediumModeratelydurable -Durable

Extremelydifficult

RegularMedium

Interior and exteriorjoinery. Furniture andcabinet work

Virola, lightVirola sppDialyanthera sppCentral and S America

HardwoodPale pinkish-brown

530* Medium Medium Medium Not durableEasy -Moderatelyeasy

LimitedLow

Carpentry, mouldings.Furniture. Plywood.

WallabaEperua falcata,E. grandifloraGuyana

HardwoodDull reddish-brown

910 Coarse Medium** Medium Very durableExtremelydifficult

LimitedMedium

Gum exudation likelyTransmission poles.Flooring, Decking. Heavyconstruction

“Walnut, African”Lovoa trichilioidesW Africa

HardwoodYellowish-brown,sometimes with darkstreaks

560 Medium Small MediumSlightly durable- Moderatelydurable


VariableMedium

Furniture, cabinet work.and exterior joinery

Walnut, AmericanJuglans nigraN America

HardwoodRich dark brown

660 CoarseSmall/Medium**

GoodModeratelydurable


VariableMedium/High

Also known as Black walnut Furniture. Gun stocks

Walnut, EuropeanJuglans regiaEurope

HardwoodGrey-brown withdark streaks

670 Coarse Medium GoodModeratelydurable

DifficultLimitedHigh

Staining likely if in contact withiron under damp conditions

Furniture, turnery. Gunstocks

Wengé / Panga pangaMillettia laurentiiM stuhlmanniiCentral & E Africa

HardwoodDark brown withfine black veining

880* Coarse Small Good DurableExtremelydifficult

LimitedMedium

Interior and exteriorjoinery. Flooring.Turnery

“Western red cedar”Thuja plicataN America

SoftwoodReddish-brown

390 Coarse Small GoodModeratelydurable -Durable


RegularMedium

Fine dust may be irritant. Anacidic timber which maycorrode metals under dampconditions and cause ironstaining

Shingles, exteriorcladding. Greenhouses,beehives

Whitewood, American - see Tulipwood

Whitewood, EuropeanPicea abies and Abies albaEurope, USSR

SoftwoodWhite to paleyellowish brown

470 Medium Medium Good Slightly durableDifficult -Extremelydifficult

RegularLow

Joinery. Construction.Flooring

WillowSalix sppEurope

Hardwoodpinkish-white

450 Fine Small Good Not durable DifficultLimitedMedium/high

Cricket bats. Boxes,crates

YewTaxus baccataEurope

SoftwoodOrange-brown topurple-brown

670 MediumSmall/Medium**

Difficult Durable DifficultVery LimitedHigh

Furniture, turnery.Interior joinery

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Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the advice given, the company cannot accept liability for loss ordamage arising from the use of the information supplied. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in anyform, by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of thecopyright owners.

TRADA Technology Ltd 2002

TRADA Technology LtdStocking Lane, Hughenden Valley, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP14 4ND, UKTel: +44 (0)1494 569600 Fax: +44 (0)1494 565487 email: [email protected]

www.trada.co.uk

ReferencesCouncil Regulation (EC) No 338/97 of 9 December1996 on the protection of species of wild fauna andflora by regulating trade therein. Official Journal ofthe European Communities. L61 Volume 40. 3March 1997.

Standards

BS EN 350-1: 1994 Durability of wood and wood-based products - Natural durability of solid woodPart 1. Guide to the principles of testing andclassification of the natural durability of wood

BS EN 350-2: 1994 Durability of wood and wood-based products - Natural durability of solid wood.Part 2: 1994 Guide to natural durability andtreatability of selected wood species of importancein Europe

BS EN 351-1: 1996 Durability of wood and wood-based products. Preservative treated solid wood.Part 1 Classification of preservative penetrationand retention

BS 1282: 1975 Guide to the choice, use andapplication of wood preservatives

BS 5268-5: 1989 The structural use of timber. Part 5Code of practice for the structural use of timber

BS 5589: 1989 Code of practice for the preservationof timber

BS 7359: 1991 Nomenclature of commercialtimbers including sources of supply

DD 239: 1998 Recommendations for thepreservation of timber

TRADA Wood Information Sheets

The Wood Information Sheet series covers a widerange of topics on timber and its uses. A fullcatalogue of these and other publications isavailable from TRADA Technology. The full set ofWood Information Sheets is also available on CD-Rom. A selection of other Sheets in the series isshown below.

2/3 - 6 Wood decorative and practical(includes colour photographs of 48 of the mostcommonly used timbers included in this sheet)

2/3 - 23 Introduction to wood-based panel products

2/3 - 28 Introducing wood

4 - 11 Timber and wood-based sheet materials infire

4 - 12 Care of timber and wood-based products onbuilding sites

4 -14 Moisture in timber

For further information or to order publicationscontact the TRADA Information Centre, address asbelow, or visit our web site athttp://www.trada.co.uk

Timber Properties and Uses

Documents

Transcript of Timber Properties and Uses